9. Subjective experience can be important for finding truth.

Arguing from subjective desires is not an argument that can stand on its own. However, combined with other more objective reasoning, it can make an important contribution. People are not mere deduction machines. We are integrated whole beings. We can be led into error through our emotions but emotions can also lead people on the right path.

For example, laying out the statistics on world poverty might not inspire many people to action. Meeting a starving child could be more powerful than any argument. Sometimes the cold, dry, academic discussion can miss the right path completely.

Is subjectivity always the enemy?

People get sucked into all sorts of things on the emotion of the moment. Things they would have avoided in the cold light of day. In the subjective moment it seemed right and true but to the outsider it seems obvious that it is not true. For example, those saucepans that the person at the door bought because the salesman convinced them they were essential, only later realising they weren’t really necessary. How many of us have bought something, thinking at the time that it would be great but only to reconsider with a little more ‘distance’, a little more objectivity.

Though it is mostly good to aim for, ‘the cold light of reason’ is not the best way to decide everything. Some things are of a different character and require different methods of assessment.

How would we decide the truth of ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35)? Would the best way to decide that be to lock yourself away from the subjectivity of other people and coldly reason out its truth content? Or perhaps, would giving it a go be the best way to decide? Surely it would at least be helpful to reflect on our subjective experience of when we ‘gave’ in the past? Sometimes giving it a go is necessary.
Take another example. How would an adult who has never tasted mango decide if they liked it? Would an objective, detached examination of the chemical content and texture yield the best answer? Perhaps a subjective, non-detached taste-test is the best way to decide.

We could multiply the other examples where subjectivity is necessary. They can be found in areas of compassion, love, romance and even justice to a certain degree. Surely, on some things trying to achieve objectivity is necessary, but on other things subjectivity is necessary!

We also realise the limits of both since, as we’ve observed we don’t always gain objectivity even when we desire it, because of underlying attitudes, biases and motives. Subjective truth, on the other hand it is not readily transferable to others. Just because you like the taste of mango, doesn’t mean others must. The same can be said with objects of love and issues of justice.

So what about assessing Christianity? In some areas objectivity is to be sought. For example, how good is the evidence that he rose from the dead? However, in other areas, subjectivity is unavoidable. For example, is the self-sacrificial life of Christian love really the best way to live? Would that mean it is the most pleasant experience? Would that mean it is the most satisfying but not necessarily the most pleasant? Would it merely be the ‘right’ life, that is vindicated when you die, regardless of whether it was pleasant or satisfying in this life? You might just have to try it for a life time before deciding!

The Bible appeals to evidences for the truth of Christianity. It says check out the evidence that is available to all, objectively. This is the case in many Bible passages. A few examples of these passages appealing to objective evidence are: Luke 1:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, Acts 26:25-26 and Acts 17:16-31. However, the Bible also says ‘taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.’ (Psalm 34:8). There is objective evidence to be examined and weighed but there is also an important subjective side, as you would expect with anything to do with real living.

Will we know the truth about Christianity by only ever studying the evidence in a room by ourself? Jesus calls his disciples to a unique love of giving their lives for one another:
 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Wouldn’t it at least be helpful to meet some Christians? Wouldn’t it at least be helpful to experience something of their supposed love for each other and all people?
 Consider the crucial place that subjectivity has according to Jesus. He said

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32


“If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” John 7:17

Christianity calls people to turn from having themselves as the lord of their life and to instead have Jesus as the Lord of their life. It only seems fitting that to become a Christian, a person needs to acknowledge that they are not the objective lord of the universe and that God is. It seems fitting that they should realise they are dependent on God to know the truth about God.

We are so used to being like the scientist looking down the microscope as we examine something. However, as we examine God, he is not a passive membrane on a microscope slide. He is actually examining us as we examine him. He has chosen to assess us based on how we go about assessing him. Not surprisingly, God is rather unique isn’t he?
 The Bible says God is dependable. In fact, living in dependence on him is one of the most basic things that God calls for: to trust him. You can read about this in his dealings with people in the Bible and you can hear about it by speaking with Christians today. Yet, an important part of knowing this reality is to live in dependence on him yourself. We are all used to living in dependence on someone, mainly ourself. Why not taste and see that the Lord is good. What have you got to lose? You’ve got a lot to gain!

 

Good human aspirations.

NT Wright  - Simply Christian

Beauty, music, gratitude.

The thirst for justice and our spiritual thirst.

 

Books:
'Existential Reasons for God'